Unitary, tamper-evident plug with smooth pouring spout

Abstract

A resealable, tamper-evident, low cost plug for an edible oil (or other foodstuffs) container is contemplated. The plug includes a single-piece, hinged construction with the base panel having a removable diaphragm revealing an opening that is sealed by structure provided on the hinged panel. Smooth pouring features may also be incorporated within and/or beneath the opening.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A low profile plug attachable to a container for dispensing flowable items, the plug comprising:
 a cylindrical base including: (i) a peripheral skirt with at least one plug engagement section protruding radially away from a bottom end of the skirt, said plug engagement section including an angular ramp and ledge configured to prevent removal of the plug from the container, and (ii) an outer annular ledge at a top end of the skirt configured to engage the container and bear an axial load, said skirt further defining a central aperture initially sealed at the top end of the skirt by a closure panel with a removable diaphragm formed therein, said closure panel attached to an inner facing of the peripheral skirt so as to initially seal the central aperture; 
 a hinge portion connected to a peripheral edge of the cylindrical base at a first end of the hinge portion; 
 wherein the closure panel is connected to the hinge at a second end, the closure panel rotatable by way of the hinge portion between an open position and a closed position such that, in the closed position, the closure panel engages and seals the central aperture; and 
 wherein the central aperture includes a main portion with a spout section expanding beyond a maximum diameter of the main portion so that the spout section forms a spout when the diaphragm is removed. 
 
     
     
       2. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the spout section comprises a plurality of arcuate portions spaced apart and protruding out from a circle defining the main portion, each of said arcuate portions defining an individual spout. 
     
     
       3. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the main portion is a continuous curved section having a larger radius in comparison to the spout section. 
     
     
       4. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the main portion has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       5. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the removable diaphragm is integrally formed as part of the cylindrical base with a thinned groove or perforated line defining the central aperture and forming a shape of the removable diaphragm. 
     
     
       6. The plug of  claim 1  further comprising a pull tab attached to an exterior facing of the removable diaphragm. 
     
     
       7. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the plug engagement section is provided as a plurality of arcuate portions spaced circumferentially apart. 
     
     
       8. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the plug engagement section is substantially continuously provided along the bottom end of the skirt. 
     
     
       9. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the hinge portion includes a biasing member. 
     
     
       10. The plug of  claim 9  wherein the biasing member urges the closure panel into one of the open position or the closed position. 
     
     
       11. The plug of  claim 1  wherein the plug attaches to the container so that more than half of the plug is positioned inside of the container and beneath a horizontal plane defined by abutting surfaces of an underside of the closure panel and a topmost panel or surface of the container.